Woodstock Parents - speak out

To all parents of Woodstock District 200 Schools (and any other schools):

What have you heard about improvement in safety for your children at their schools?

Anything?

Sheriff Joe Arpaio didn't wait for school boards to act. He took action and put patrols around the schools in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Your school board here in Woodstock (Ill.) didn't even meet after the Sandy Hook shooting. Did ... not ... even ... meet!

You elected men and women from the District 200 territory to be in charge. Are they? What are they doing?

The Superintendent was not at the January 8 school board meeting. I did not hear any report about safety.

In fact, I didn't hear much. I think they used to have microphones in which to mumble, but there were no microphones. The audience has to sit back of the 50-yard line, far away from the Board. If they are going to speak in low tones, the room should be seat so that the audience is within hearing distance. It was possible to see lips moving and heads nodding, and even a few words now and then.

And then the meeting was over.

Don't Kick Penguins - Oct. 20

This year's Don't Kick Penguin anti-bullying program will be held on Saturday, October 20, at McHenry County College.

See complete information here.

Parent Empowerment Call - Thurs., Oct. 4

The October Parent Empowerment Call, sponsored by IDHS, will be held on Thursday, October 4, from 12:00pm-1:00pm.

This month's topic is "Rx Assist".

Dial 800-260-0702
Participant Access Code: 228137

Darlene McGary, Family Consumer Specialist, will be the presenter this month. Calls are sponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Services.





Parents are invited to dial in tollfree. Please be prompt and join at the beginning of the call.

Questions about the Parent Empowerment Calls? Call 1-618-838-9382


These calls occur monthly on the first Thursday.

Two-day workshop - Special Ed

A two-day workshop by Paula Kluth and Cindy Golden will be presented on October 16-17 in Arlington Heights. The title is "Designing Successful Inclusive and Special Education Classrooms".

Although this is scheduled in just two weeks, there might be time for parents to hit up their Special Education Departments at their kids' schools to send a couple of teachers to it. Spread the word.

Complete information can be viewed here.

The Inclusive Classroom, presented by Paula Kluth, Ph.D.
This interactive day features group activities, real-world stories, and tools you can bring back to the classroom immediately. Participants will learn practical ways of supporting students with autism spectrum labels and other disabilities within a general education classroom. The centerpiece of the presentation is Dr. Kluth’s “Top Ten Strategies List for Inclusive Classrooms” in which she addresses the need for sensory supports, visuals, active learning, “safe space,” and materials that capitalize on student strengths. Other topics addressed include defining (and redefining) autism, listening to the voices of those with autism, creating more responsive lessons, making the classroom comfortable, and providing opportunities for communication skill development. The presentation provides teachers with the necessary knowledge and strategies to understand every student as complex, as capable, and as a learner.


The Special Educator’s Toolkit, presented by Cindy Golden, Ed.D.
Based on her popular book, The Special Educator’s Toolkit, Dr. Cindy Golden, a seasoned special educator, administrator, and psychologist with almost 30 years of experience, developed this teacher-friendly toolkit and training from her popular OMAC (Organization and Management of All Classrooms) system- an innovative approach to creating effective classrooms for students with all types of disabilities. This is the ultimate guide for every special educator, from the first-year teacher setting up a new classroom to the seasoned veteran who wants a guide to current best practices. Based on researched best practice, special educators will get step-by-step, ready-to-use guidance on managing six key aspects of their daily work. Teachers will come away empowered and motivated to get and stay organized, and they’ll see the positive results year after year in their classrooms.

All About IEPs

Spectrum Support will sponsor the following evening workshop on October 12.

ALL ABOUT IEP’S

"We hope you can make it to our first FREE educational seminar on Friday, October 12th, at 6:00 pm.

"Presented by Elizabeth Hooper, MA, Elizabeth is an educational consultant and advocate. We are excited to have her come to the center for this free parent seminar.

"With a Masters in Special Education and work experience as a special education teacher and behavior intervention case manager, she knows the inside story of how to work the school system so your child gets the supports they need in the classroom.

"Come to learn about current laws, behavioral supports and to ask questions.

"We hope you all can attend. Please RSVP to tmbr@spectrumsupportllc.com, if you plan to attend."

Spectrum Support is located at 1575 West Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock. From U.S. 14, turn north at the traffic light by Culver's. Then take your first left (opposite Culver's driveway).

Family Challenge - a 2-night event

FamiliesETC and OMNI Youth Services are sponsoring a "Family Challenge" as a two-night workshop on September 18 and September 27.

The goal is to increase family communication, cooperation, learn new problem-solving skills, and build trust. Trained staff members will facilitate the activities and discussions. Dinner will be provided. There is no cost to attend.

The first night of the Family Challenge is Tuesday, September 18. It continues on Thursday, September 27. Participants are to attend both nights. The workshop hours are 5:00-9:00PM, and the program will be conducted at 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, Ill.
One 18-year-old past participant said about the Challenge, "I’m an 18 year old son, and
this experience brought my mom and I closer together and it was really fun!"

For more information and to register, contact Teri Lindahl at tlindahl@familiesetc.org or 815.308.0861

Webinar 8/21/12 for parents

One parent writes, "If you have a child in transition, you really should join in this Webinar!!  And you should invite your IEP/Transition Team to join in also."

What a novel idea! That an IEP Transition Team (you know, the principal, the special ed director, teachers ... the whole team...) should join in on a conference call, where all can hear the same information at the same time.

If it happens anywhere, let me know. Here's the info.

Indicator 8 Parent Webinar Series

Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/473013216

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

This Webinar was developed as a response to the Illinois State Board of Education Parent Survey for State Performance Plan Indicator 8. The Parent & Educator Partnership and Deb Kunz, Parent Consultant from the Illinois State Board of Education will host a series of Parent Webinars.

Our featured presenter will be Sue Walter, Statewide Transition Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education and Project Director for Transition Outreach Training for Adult Living (TOTAL) Project.

What is "Indicator 8"? Call your school district's special education office and ask them.

This webinar is free but, if you register, please show up. If you don't show up, you might be preventing someone else from attending.